Balkan Gems with Prague, Transylvania and Bucharest

Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

This evening, get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director during tonight's welcome reception. Stay Three Nights: Almanac X Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic lures you with its millennia-long history. Begin your guided discovery at Prague Castle, where you'll pause to take in views of the city. Take a leisurely stroll over Charles Bridge on the way to the Old Town Square, where you'll see the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock.

Tonight, dinner awaits at the Alcron restaurant, a fine dining restaurant known for its use of local Czech produce. (B/D)

• Descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family welcome you to their 18th-century baroque home, Chateau Jemniste. Explore the estate and enjoy a special lunch then watch on in awe as birds of prey free-fly during a falconry display.

Travel to Velke Bilovice for a light lunch in a traditional Czech restaurant. Continue to the historic Hungarian capital of Budapest and board your luxury river ship. Stay Seven Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/L/D)

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman's Bastion and Heroes' Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore. (B/L/D)

• History buffs can venture to the ancient city of Pecs. Or perhaps travel to Hungary's renowned wine region in Villany for a tasting at a local winery. Otherwise, get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube River to an ancient water mill.

• Today, visit Eltz Manor, a castle that houses the Vukovar City Museum. Wander through the complex then be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, accompanied by classical music.

• Perhaps see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. If you're feeling more physical, embark on a kayak tour along the Danube. Or gourmet lovers can partake in a cooking class.

Cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on this cruise. Your ship will weave its way through the series of gorges between Serbia and Romania. (B/L/D)

• You might choose to explore the incredible World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. This fascinating complex is made up of churches, chapels and monk cells that were carved into the rock during the 13th and 14th centuries. Alternatively, set out on a walking tour and discover Rousse, one of Bulgaria's most elegant cities.

Disembark your ship and travel to the Slanic mine, Europe's largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 rooms, as well as the Salt Museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects.

Later, you will enjoy dinner and then continue to your hotel in Brașov. Stay Two Nights: Brasov, Poiana Teleferic Grand Hotel or similar (B/D)

This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula's Castle'. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle's striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before continuing back to Brasov for lunch.

This afternoon, delve deeper into Brasov's history on a walking tour. (B/L)

A visit to Peles Castle awaits today, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania's first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia then travel to Bucharest. Stay Two Nights: Bucharest, Radisson Blu Hotel (B/D)

Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest's Old City this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city's historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and has over 3,000 rooms. (B/L)

Your journey comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. (B)